Malik (Carter Brother Series Book 1) (24 page)

“Oh girl, I know. I don’t know what you must be going through, but I can take a good guess. You will get through this. You’re a strong, beautiful, independent woman. If anyone can move on from this, it’s you,’’ she says, and I wish I had the same faith she had in me, but right now I don’t see how I could ever get over this.

“Hey Babe,’’ Malik says softly as he walks over to the bed.

“Hey,’’ I reply quietly not able to look him in the eye.

“I need to clean up your leg, is that okay?’’ his voice nervous and unsure and so unlike Malik.

I nod my head not able to talk as another lump forms in my throat from trying to hold in the floods of tears threatening to spill. Slowly, he peels the tights down from my legs and despite everything that is going on, my body still responds to his touch.

“You don’t need any stitches,’’ he tells me, his voice strained. “This will sting a little.’’

The pain doesn’t register though; the pain inside my heart hurts too much to let anything else get to me.

“Talk to me Harlow. You’re killing me.’’ His voice is desperate, sounding almost broken and it has me choking up again

“I can’t,’’ I sob out, scared, and hoping he understands.

Gram’s moves closer to me, her hand stroking through my hair, “Shush my dear, it will be okay.’’

It’s never going to be okay,
I think to myself. Nothing will ever be okay staying here. I cry into her lap, needing her comfort, her strength and support.

“I just want my mom and dad. I wish they were here, they would know what to do. I really need my mom right now. I miss them so much,’’ I sob, the pain in my chest becoming unbearable.

“Babe, I know you miss your parents, but they’re gone. You’ve got us here now. We will sort this out. I know we can’t change what’s already happened, but at least we can get justice for what happened. Myles is at home now checking to see if there are any photos online, and then he’s going to remove them.’’

“So you don’t know if they’re online?’’ I ask into my Gram’s legs, not wanting to move or look at him.

“Can you please look at me, babe?’’

“No, I can’t.’’

“Why?’’

“I don’t want you to be ashamed of me. They’ve all seen me naked Malik. How can you even look at me right now?’’ I cry out.

“Because you’re my girlfriend and I lo-.’’

“What?’’ I say sitting up, looking at him for the first time. His hair looks messed up and he has a cut lip and a light bruise at the bottom of his right eye. “Oh my... what the hell happened?’’

“It doesn’t matter.’’

The way he shrugs it off makes me believe it does matter. That whomever he had a fight with deserved it. I’m not even going to ask what the person did for him to get into a fight.

“Stop avoiding me, what were you going to say?’’

Gram’s gets up from the bed grabbing my attention. My face must look scared or something because she reaches out to stroke my cheek.

“I’m just going to get a dustpan and brush. I’ll give you five minutes to talk then I’ll be back.’’

“Thank you,’’ I tell her, my eyes watering again.

She gives me a gentle smile before patting Malik gently on the shoulder. What he did for me today, fighting for me, obviously means a lot to her. He could get into serious trouble for fighting today, but he didn’t care about the ramifications anyway.

“Well?’’

“Look, I’m not going to say it to you right now, it’s not the time. I don’t want you to think I’m saying it because you think I’m just trying to cheer you up. But Harlow, you need to know, I like you, I like you a-hellava-lot. More than like,’’ he says sitting closer to me.

Reaching for his hand, I give him a light squeeze before brushing my fingers across his knuckles.

“I more than like you too,’’ I whisper.

“Good,’’ he smiles. “I need you to stay strong for me, for your Gram’s, but mostly for yourself. What happened is ineffable, but we need to show a front to whichever fucker did this to you.’’

“No one is going to own up to doing this to me Malik. Why would they? They got what they wanted. I don’t want to be here, but I also don’t have anywhere else to go. Everyday I’m going to be reminded of that photo. I feel violated. They saw me. They knew I was in that shower. Oh my God, were they there when we were... oh no. What if they have more photos Malik,’’ my voice hysterical and my breathing laboured.

“Calm down, hey calm down,’’ he says trying to hug me, but I push him away.

“No I will not calm down Malik. What if tomorrow you go to school and there’s pictures of us two together? This is mortifying. How could someone be so cruel? Why? Why me?’’ I cry.

“Whoever has done this hasn’t done it because of you. They have no reason to.’’

“Davis does and so does Hannah. They’ve both showed how much they want me around since my first day of school.’’

“You think this was that Craig Davis boy?’’ Gram’s says walking in the room looking pale.

“I don’t know Gram’s. I honestly don’t, but who else would do this to me? Why would they do this to me?’’

“Oh no!’’ she gasps. “I’m going to the school once I’ve finished cleaning up here. I’ve rung them while I went downstairs and they’re getting the police involved too. We will get to the bottom of this.’’

“You don’t need to clean this up. It’s my mess,’’ wiping my tears, my body feeling weak and tired.

“Oh no, I’m going to clean this up. You look exhausted.’’

“Lay down, I’ll help your Gram’s get the room sorted.’’

Not bothering to argue, I get under my cover and watch blindly as they move around the room, picking up broken ornaments and other knick-knacks.

My mind dazes as tears fall from my eyes, my body too weak to try and stop them. It’s not long before I drift off to sleep.

It’s been a week and a half since the picture of me was posted around school. After Gram’s went in to school that day to talk to the principal, I’ve been doing my school work from home.

The principal assured Gram’s that they were looking into who pinned those photos up around the school. What I don’t get is why the teachers didn’t take them down before school even started. My Gram’s even asked Mrs. Collins while she was with her. All she said was that the teachers were all in a staff meeting that morning over in another building. I just find it all
too
convenient if you ask me. Not even the cleaners were in that morning. It all seems too fishy.

Denny, Malik and his brothers spent nearly every day with me at home, but for the first couple of days I stayed in my room not wanting anyone to be near me.

Even as the week passed, each day I became a little more depressed inside. At first I think it was more the shock of it than anything, but then as the days went by, I found myself spiralling into a withdrawn state. I’d sleep a lot, jump at every sound, and it wasn’t until Malik moaned about my bedroom looking like a bat cave did I realise I hadn’t opened my curtains since the night Malik fixed them.

Even now they’re closed, the sun fighting its way in through the tiny cracks around the edges. It’s my first day back at school today and I’m a nervous wreck. The school had called my Gram’s yesterday telling her that I needed to be in school today. Exams were coming up and I needed to know the work. We couldn’t even argue. My Gram’s would get sent to prison or be charged with a hefty fine if I stayed at home any longer.

The police haven’t found anything out on the person who posted the picture last Tuesday. Not that I expected them to. It’s not like the culprit is going to stand up and say he or she did it.

According to Malik and Max the police were questioning everyone who stayed late in school the day before and who was in early the Tuesday morning that it happened. All the students apparently have alibis as to where they were. But then, they’d be stupid not to have.

As for Davis the police had him brought in to the police station for questioning. He denied everything and had, oh wait for it, because this is the best part, Hannah was his alibi. Now we know who definitely posted those pictures. It all makes sense. I’ve never seen Davis with Hannah at school, so why she would be his alibi unless she was involved is suspicious. And that is the only conclusion I can come up with that makes sense. They must be working together.

Malik wanted to charge round to both their houses, but Max, yes Max, talked him down. I don’t know what they’re planning next and I don’t want to. I just want Davis to pay for what he did to me. What he and Hannah did to me.

“You ready?’’ Malik calls as I nervously make my way downstairs.

I nod my head when he comes into view staying silent. I know if I talk right now he’ll hear the anxiety and fear in my voice. The way he’s been looking at me lately, like I’m going to break or something is driving me insane. I’m ready to explode. I know they all care but if I hear ‘are you okay?’ one more time I’m going to start smacking people in the face with a wet fish. It’s all just getting to me. Having them ask me constantly is nice, but it feels like I’m having the picture whipped in my face every time they ask me.

I know I sound like a spoiled brat, and that they’re only concerned and want to help me get through it, but I just needed some space. I needed my parents. I just needed some room to think.

“Come on then. We’ll be late if we don’t get a move on. You okay?’’ he asks softly, and I have to roll my eyes.

“Gram’s,’’ I shout looking Malik in the eye.

“Yes honey?’’

“Have you got any fish?’’

“I’ve got battered in the freezer, why?’’ she shouts back.

“Don’t matter. I needed wet fish,’’ I call back.

Malik smirks looking amused at my outburst. Ha. I’ll soon wipe that smile off his face when he knows
why
I want it.

“Why on earth would you want a fresh fish? They look vile dear,’’ Gram says walking towards me with a frown on her face.

“Because Gram’s, I’m going to put it in a bowl of water, then smack it across Malik’s face and everyone else’s if they ask me if I’m okay one more time.’’

“Hey, we care. Have a little more respect for people Harlow Evans. We’ve been worried about you. You’ve been depressed and withdrawn all week. You’ve hardly slept or eaten. You haven’t been out of your room that much. What else are we meant to ask you?’’ she scolds. My eyes widen. She’s never told me off before. Is it wrong I want to laugh right now? Okay, maybe cry too, but don’t tell Gram’s that. Worst of all though, I know she’s right and I feel like a bloody spiteful bitch right now.

“You’re right, I’m sorry Grandma. I’m fine though. You don’t need to worry about me. If something happens I’ll let you know. I’m just in a mood. I’m really not looking forward to going back to school. Everyone is going to be staring at me and seeing that picture,’’ I tell her, my chin quivering.

“Oh baby. It’s going to be tough, but don’t show them nincumpoops how much it’s upsetting you. If I had my way I’d be down that school with Edna’s walking stick and smacking all their asses.’’

Laughing at how absurd she sounds I pull her in for a hug. She really does know how to cheer me up. I look over my Gram’s shoulder at Malik and he raises one eyebrow questioningly before mouthing the words ‘
wet fish’
shaking his head at me.

I roll my eyes playfully, then pull away from my Gram’s, “I’ll see you later and thank you,’’ I smile.

“It’s okay lovely. Now, go and kick some butt.’’

“Okay,’’ I chuckle, grabbing onto Malik’s hand.

The closer we get to school the more nervous I become and begin to sweat. I’m pretty sure I have wet patches under my arms too, which makes me feel really attractive right now.

Not only am I having to face everyone again after them seeing me completely naked, but I’ve got to do it looking like I just finished a ten mile run.

Just bloody great.

“Will you calm down,’’ Malik scolds as we get to the school gate. “I’ve said this before, but half the school is on your side. The other half are too immature to see what was done was cruel and juvenile.’’

“It’s that side I’m worried about. What if I can’t take the things they’re saying Malik? What if I have another breakdown? I’m just not sure I can do this,’’ I say feeling like I’m about to have that breakdown I was just talking about.

Come to think about it, would it be wrong to fake an anxiety attack to get out of school for another day? The thought is there and I can’t help but wonder if my acting skills suck as bad as my parents said they did. Jesus why can’t I just be home-schooled, it would be a lot easier than this.

“Stop thinking about it and just move forward Babe. You can do this. If anyone can it’s you,’’ he tells me softly, his lips hovering over mine. He pulls me forward as he moves to lean on the wall by the school, shifting me so I’m standing between his legs. I’m going to be honest here; I love it when we’re in this position. I feel protected and safe, but most of all turned on. I can feel all the hard plains of his body, especially the most treasured part owned by him.

“Don’t look at me like that,’’ Malik growls snapping me out of it. I notice I’m staring at him, hunger written all over my face. Shit! Is that drool? I wipe my mouth to make sure and funnily enough it isn’t. With my luck lately one can never know. Malik smirks looking at me, his eyes hooded.

His head slants a little, leaning in towards me and I suck in a sharp breath. Planting a kiss to my forehead, he makes his way across to the corner of my eye, to the tip of my nose and then gently places another kiss at the corner of my lips. My heart melts into goo. I love it when he’s like this, all gentle and caring. It makes it harder not to fall for him. I’ve never been in love. I’m not even sure if I’m there, but I do know what I feel for Malik is something I know I’ll never feel for another person.

He leans his forehead against mine, whispering to me, “What are you thinking about so hard over there?’’

My eyes close tightly not wanting this feeling to ever go away. Shaking my head I grin at him, pulling away to look into his eyes.

“Thinking about you,’’ I flirt, running my finger down his chest. The shirt he’s wearing is doing nothing to hide his muscles tensing beneath his shirt.

“Is that right?’’ his voice huskier than before. Bringing me closer so my body is completely flush against his I relax into his arms, feeling the stress from earlier leave my body.

The feel of his soft lips touch mine, his tongue seeking entrance and getting it. He claims my mouth in a sensual deep kiss, my hands clinging to the collar on his shirt, while his hands stay on my hips, his thumbs stroking above the material of my skirt.

“What was that for?’’ I ask breathlessly when he pulls away keeping his face close.

“Because you’re my girl and I love kissing you,’’ he says amused.

I’m about to tease him about him loving doing something else to me, but the bell rings in the distance making me groan. We need to get to class. The only thing I can be thankful for is that by the time we walk into school most of the students should already be in registration.

“Come on, let’s get this over with. Remember what your Nan said, show no fear.’’

“I’m sure I would have heard her say that,’’ I mumble amused.

“She may as well have said it,’’ he laughs. “That was her point anyway.’’

“Okay,’’ I agree, holding his hand and squeezing it tightly.

When we get outside the classroom I notice Mr. Rogers talking to the class through the door window. I breathe in ready to go inside when Malik pulls me back from view.

“What are you doing?’’ I ask shocked. He’s been pestering me since Saturday to come back to school, it’s now Thursday.

“Relax.’’

“I am relaxed,’’ I snap.

“Then why the fuck have you stopped the blood circulation in my hand?’’

“Oh.’’ I loosen my grip on his hand, noticing it turning slowly back to its original colour.
Well shit! Didn’t know I could do that.

“Come on,’’ he chuckles, leaning in to give me a light kiss.

The classroom turns eerily quiet when we walk in and I can feel my face redden when I feel everyone’s eyes on me.

“Nice picture in the Sunday paper Harlow. Oh wait, or was that your sister? I was too busy staring at her tits,’’ Davis shouts. A few students laugh with him, but the rest remain silent looking towards Malik and me gauging our reaction. Probably looking to see if Malik throws a punch, but we talked about this last night when Gram’s sat us down and talked to us. I keep my head down not wanting to defend myself.

“Shut up Davis,’’ Malik growls at the same time the teacher glares up at Davis. “Mr. Davis, go and see the principal in her office, now. You’ve also earned yourself detention after school every day from now until next Friday.’’

A few students snigger as Davis walks out. He would have shoved into my shoulder had Malik not anticipated his move and moved me out of the way.

“I cannot wait to punch that fucker,’’ he growls quietly in my ear.

“Take a seat you two,’’ Mr. Roger’s smiles. We both give each other one more glance before we head off to our seats. “Is there anyone else in here who would like to bully Miss Evans on being violated? Because I am warning you now, I do not condone bullying. What happened to Harlow was despicable and barbaric. Someone savage had revealed her at her most vulnerable. It’s not a laughing or joking matter. This is serious. Some of you may laugh now, but one day when you’re violated like this or in a worse way, you’ll understand how that poor girl is feeling. Not one of you has looked at this beyond it being a school prank. This isn’t some prank. This is as serious as a stalker taking pictures of you. I’m sorry to bring this up Harlow, I was hoping students were able to look on the situation differently and maturely, obviously my faith in some were misjudged,’’ he says sadly looking towards me. The whole class is transfixed on him, looking at him in complete awe.

“Can I say something sir?’’ a bubbly girl with red hair says. I’ve not seen her before, so I wonder if she’s new too.

“Of course you can Charlie.’’

The girl stands up, her feet bouncing on the floor and her wild red hair bouncing along with her. I’m still trying to figure out if she’s new or not. For all I know she could have just transferred classes. Then she goes and answers my silent question for me.

“Hi, I haven’t met you yet as I’ve been off for a few months sick, but I came back the day the picture was posted. A friend of mine had something similar done to her, but unlike you it was at a time when she hadn’t quite hit puberty, so the backlash was pretty bad.”

“I’d like to think students here will support you and not act immature over a picture. That they’ll understand what this has done to you mentally. I’m sorry it happened to you,’’ she shrugs then looks to one of Davis’s friends with a sneer on her face. “But you did Joe and his friends a favour. They got to see a hot body before they died because let’s face it; lads like you won’t see perfection like that any other way. No, they just bully them and violate them,’’ she says before sitting back down in her seat. Mr. Rogers looks like he wants to say something, but I watch as the corners of his mouth turn up and I wonder if he knows that Davis did this too. I’ve seen Joe hang out with him and from the way Charlie just treated him, I’d say she does too. It makes me wonder how she knows what they’re like.